ynthetic works fine on a wet clutch . I have used it in the past in my GL1100;s but prefer non synthetic in my '82 Wing . Use Shell Rotella 15-40, They have a synthetic also do a search and you will find thousands of oil discussions on all mc sites. Personally I don't think it is necessary in old Wings. More discussion should follow. Doug

My disclaimer is as follows... I'm going to repeat what I have been told.

When you look at a container of motor oil, there's a circular emblem on the (back usually) container that tells you the PIA rating of the oil.. SJ or some other designation... on the lower outside area of ANY oil that is probably NOT a good "wet clutch" oil, it has "Energy Conserving" or similar language written inside the little circle. There may be language like "friction modifiers" or something like that... Generally speaking, higher viscosity oil (10w-40, 15w-40 ect) won't have these "energy conserving" additives that are considered to be "bad" for wet clutch applications, or shared sump like on most motorcycles I've owned..

So, if you buy a synthetic motor oil that matches the recommended viscosity for your motorcycle, it is likely it won't have the additives that qualify as "energy conserving" and it will be safe for your clutch.

I have also read several comments through the years where people swore their clutch was uneffected by ANY kind of oil. I don't think I'd make that claim, nor would I use and oil that had additives in it that make it energy conserving in my crankcase. I just bought a couple of quarts of NAPA (Store Brand) 10w40 Synthetic oil and it does not have the words on the bottle...

I am wrong as often as I am right concerning what is wrong with someone else' motorcycle without having seen the machine in person. Guessing with limited information, as to the source of the trouble, is sketchy at best.

furnacedoc wrote:Hello, how can I tell if the synthetic oil is approved for wet clutch motorcycle use ? and what type of synthetic do you use? . Thanks See Ya on the Road

There will be a specification "JASO MA/MA2 or MB" on the outside of the bottle to signify useable with wet clutch. If you do not see that, then it is not recommended for use with wet clutches. Any oil can be used in a pinch, but not regularly. One use of a non JASO MA/MA2 oil will not coat your clutch plates and cause slippage, but regular use could.

As always, you made a great comment. One thing I have noticed, recently, is that "SOME" oils that previously did not have the JASO rating are now including it on their oil containers as well.

I frequent the "Bob is the Oil Guy" web site and read a discussion on the subject of oils that are rated for use in motorcycle engines. The long and short of the discussion was, just because a motor oil doesn't have a JASO rating doesn't mean it won't meet the requirements (doesn't mean it DOES either, mind you) set forth for that classification of use. What it CAN mean is, the manufacturer of the product either has chosen not to have the oil tested to see if it meets the requirements or that they know their oil won't meet JASO and therefore won't submit it for testing.

I believe the "Heavy Duty Engine Oil(s)" that I typically use (DELO 400, DELVAC, Rotella) in my shared sumps would meet JASO testing requirements. Because they are marketed as "Diesel" engine oils, there's not much point in trying to get the motorcycle market (which they already have a significant share of, if people tell the truth about what kind of oil they're using) by having their oil JASO rated... which could "put off" their target market of diesel engine users.... who may not want to put "motorcycle" oil in their diesel trucks...

As far as I can tell, if the API rating meets or exceeds the rating recommended by the motorcycle manufacturer, and you choose a recommended viscosity (NOT energy conserving), then the oil should get the job done. Most of us change our engine/transmission/clutch oil far more frequently than is necessary. I know I do...

themainviking wrote: There will be a specification "JASO MA/MA2 or MB" on the outside of the bottle to signify useable with wet clutch. If you do not see that, then it is not recommended for use with wet clutches. Any oil can be used in a pinch, but not regularly. One use of a non JASO MA/MA2 oil will not coat your clutch plates and cause slippage, but regular use could.

I am wrong as often as I am right concerning what is wrong with someone else' motorcycle without having seen the machine in person. Guessing with limited information, as to the source of the trouble, is sketchy at best.